What is it?
A prostate that has grown with age and is squeezing the urethra
The prostate sits just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. From middle age it slowly enlarges; for many men this narrows the channel and the bladder has to work harder.
It is not cancer and does not cause cancer, but the symptoms overlap, which is why a proper assessment matters.
What you may notice
Slow, weak stream
Takes longer to start and to finish.
Going more often
Especially at night — two or more trips.
Urgency
A sudden, hard-to-defer need to go.
Incomplete emptying
Feeling you have not quite finished; dribbling.
Infections or blood
Urine left behind can cause infection or bleeding.
Retention
Suddenly unable to pass urine — go to A&E.
How it is diagnosed
01
Symptom score
The IPSS questionnaire tells us how much it affects you.
02
Flow test and bladder scan
Done in clinic in minutes.
03
PSA blood test
To check for anything that needs a closer look.
04
Scan or camera check
MRI or flexible cystoscopy only when they change the plan.
Treatment options
Least invasive first. Many men never need an operation.
Watch and adjust
Fluid timing, less caffeine and alcohol in the evening, bladder training.
Treatment page
Tablets
Alpha-blockers relax the prostate within days; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink it over months.
Treatment page
UroLift
Tiny implants hold the prostate open — no cutting, usually home the same day.
Treatment page
TURP
Removes the obstructing tissue for the most durable relief.
Treatment page
When to get urgent help
You cannot pass urine at all
Acute retention — call 999 or go to A&E
Fever, shivering or heavy bleeding
Same-day: call us or NHS 111
